Method and system for facilitating electronic witnessing of electronic signatures

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a method of facilitating electronic signing of a document. The method may include receiving a first confirmation from a witness electronic device associated with a witness. Furthermore, the method may include making a document available to a signor electronic device based on the first confirmation. Further, the signor electronic device may be configured to present the document to the signor and receive an electronic signature from the signor. Additionally, the method may include receiving a second confirmation from the witness electronic device. Further, the method may include receiving a signed document from the signor electronic device. Furthermore, the signed document may include the electronic signature of the signor. Additionally, the electronic signature may be validated based on receipt of each of the first confirmation and the second confirmation.

RELATED APPLICATION

Under provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), the Applicant claims the benefitof U.S. provisional application No. 62/305,269, filed Mar. 8, 2016,which is incorporated herein by reference. It is intended that thereferenced application may be applicable to the concepts and embodimentsdisclosed herein, even if such concepts and embodiments are disclosed inthe referenced application with different limitations and configurationsand described using different examples and terminology.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to electronic signatureprocesses and technology. More specifically, the disclosure relates to amethod and system for facilitating electronic witnessing of electronicsignatures.

BACKGROUND

In some situations, it may be necessary to witness or notarize thesigning of a document. The witness or notary may be able to confirm andvalidate the authenticity of a signature on a document as belonging tothe signor. The conventional strategy is to have a witness or notaryview the signature process and the sign the document themselves,indicating that they witness the signing and would be prepared totestify as to the same. However, with the advent of electronic signaturetechnology, the mechanics by which a witness can view and attest to theelectronic signature process are yet to be developed.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

This brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts ina simplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This brief overview is not intended to identify keyfeatures or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor isthis brief overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subjectmatter's scope.

A method of facilitating electronic signing of a document may beprovided. The method may include receiving, using a communicationinterface, a signature access request from a signor electronic deviceassociated with a signor. Further, the method may include receiving,using the communication interface, a first confirmation from a witnesselectronic device associated with a witness. The first confirmation maybe provided by the witness. Further, the method may include makingavailable the document to the signor electronic device based on thefirst confirmation. The document may be made available via atransmission of the document that may occur either before or after thefirst confirmation. Furthermore, the signor electronic device may beconfigured to present the document to the signor and receive anelectronic signature from the signor. Further, the method may includereceiving, using the communication interface, a second confirmation fromthe witness electronic device. The second confirmation may be providedby the witness. Further, the method may include receiving, using thecommunication interface, a signed document from the signor electronicdevice. Furthermore, the signed document may include the electronicsignature of the signor. Additionally, the electronic signature may bevalidated based on receipt of each of the first confirmation and thesecond confirmation.

Also provided is a method of facilitating witnessing of electronicsigning of a document by a signor. The method may include receiving,using the communication interface, a first confirmation from a witnesselectronic device associated with a witness. The first confirmation maybe provided by the witness electronic device. Further, the firstconfirmation may be based on a first code associated with at least oneof the following: a signor electronic device and the signor.Furthermore, the witness electronic device may be configured to receivethe first code based on an interaction between the signor electronicdevice and the witness electronic device. Other triggers of the firstconfirmation may be associated with, for example, proximity between thesignor device and the witness device, an interaction between the devicesusing a communication medium of limited range, and other location-basedmethods that may be employed (e.g., geo-fencing).

Additionally, the method may include receiving, using the communicationinterface, a second confirmation from the witness electronic deviceassociated with a witness. The second confirmation may be provided bythe witness. Further, the second confirmation may be based on a secondcode presented on the signor electronic device. Furthermore, the witnesselectronic device may be configured to receive the second code based onan interaction between the signor electronic device and the witnesselectronic device. Additionally, the method may include establishing,using a processor, witnessing of electronic signing of the document bythe signor based on receipt of each of the first confirmation and thesecond confirmation.

Further provided, is a system for facilitating electronic signing of adocument. The system may include a communication interface configured toreceive a signature access request from a signor electronic deviceassociated with a signor. Further, the communication interface may beconfigured to receive a first confirmation from a witness electronicdevice associated with a witness. Furthermore, the first confirmationmay be provided by the witness. Further, the communication interface maybe configured to transmit the document to the signor electronic devicebased on the first confirmation. Additionally, the signor electronicdevice may be configured to present the document to the signor andreceive an electronic signature from the signor. Further, thecommunication interface may be configured to receive a secondconfirmation from the witness electronic device. Furthermore, the secondconfirmation may be provided by the witness. Further, the communicationinterface may be configured to receive a signed document from the signorelectronic device. Additionally, the signed document may include theelectronic signature of the signor. Further, the electronic signaturemay be validated based on receipt of each of the first confirmation andthe second confirmation.

Further provided, is a system of facilitating witnessing of electronicsigning of a document. The system may include a communication interfaceconfigured to receive a first confirmation from a witness electronicdevice associated with a witness. Further, the first confirmation may beprovided by the witness. Furthermore, the first confirmation may bebased on a first code presented on a signor electronic device.Additionally, the witness electronic device may be configured to receivethe first code based on an interaction between the signor electronicdevice and the witness electronic device. Further, the communicationinterface may be configured to receive a second confirmation from thewitness electronic device associated with a witness. Furthermore, thesecond confirmation may be provided by the witness. Moreover, the secondconfirmation may be based on a second code presented on the signorelectronic device. Further, the witness electronic device may beconfigured to receive the second code based on an interaction betweenthe signor electronic device and the witness electronic device.Additionally, the system may include a processor configured to establishwitnessing of electronic signing of the document by the signor based onreceipt of each of the first confirmation and the second confirmation.

Both the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed descriptionprovide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoingbrief overview and the following detailed description should not beconsidered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may beprovided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodimentsmay be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinationsdescribed in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarksand copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings maycontain other marks owned by third parties and are being used forillustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks andcopyrights represented herein, except those belonging to theirrespective owners, are vested in and the property of the Applicants. TheApplicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks andcopyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce thematerial only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent andfor no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explaincertain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included forillustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodimentsdetailed in the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an operating environmentconsistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates operation of a system for facilitating electronicwitnessing of electronic signing, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3A illustrates a signor GUI presented to a signor of an electronicdocument for electronic signing, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3B illustrates a witness GUI presented to a witness of electronicsigning of a document, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sequence diagram corresponding to a method offacilitating electronic witnessing of electronic signing of a document,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of facilitating electronicsigning of an electronic document, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of facilitating witnessing ofelectronic signing of an electronic document, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a system for facilitating servingof an order at a facility, in accordance with some embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broadutility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment mayincorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects ofthe disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality ofthe above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed andidentified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best modecontemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, manyembodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodimentsdescribed herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail inrelation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, andare made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments isnot intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patentprotection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, whichscope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It isnot intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by readinginto any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appearin the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather thanthe description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan shouldprevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, no claim element isintended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unlessthe explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in suchclaim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to applyin the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join alist of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does notexclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein tojoin a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar elements.While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described,modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. Forexample, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to theelements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described hereinmay be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to thedisclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description doesnot limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure isdefined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers.It should be understood that these headers are used as references andare not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosedunder the header.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, thecontext of a signor electronic device and a witness electronic device,embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only inthis context. For example, various embodiments disclosed herein may becombined to adapt for an environment in which a single electronic deviceis operated by both the witness and the signor.

I. PLATFORM OVERVIEW

Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronicsignature platform (also referred to herein as “platform” or E-Signatureplatform) for facilitating witnessing of electronic signing may beprovided. This overview is provided to introduce a selection of conceptsin a simplified form that are further described below. This overview isnot intended to identify key features or essential features of theclaimed subject matter. Nor is this overview intended to be used tolimit the claimed subject matter's scope. The online platform may beused by individuals or companies to facilitate electronic signing andwitnessing of electronic signing of electronic documents.

Embodiments described herein provide an electronic signature platformthat is configured to 1) enable a requester or a signor of an electronicdocument to specify a witness, 2) determine that the witness is in theproximity of the signor and can view the signing of the electronicdocument, and 3) generate an audit trail to record and capture the datafrom both the witness and the signor.

Accordingly, the E-Signature platform may be configured to be accessibleby a plurality of parties, including, but not limited to, a signor, awitness and a requester of electronic signing. Initially, the requestermay send a Signature Request for a document to be signed by the signorthrough the E-Signature Platform. Accordingly, the signor may receive alink corresponding to the document. Upon activating the link, theE-Signature platform may initiate a signature process. Similarly, thewitness may also receive a link and upon activating the link, theE-Signature platform may initiate a witnessing process. Once the signingprocess and the witnessing process are performed, the E-Signatureplatform retains a copy of the signed document and all parties getnotifications, a copy of the signed document and an audit trailcorresponding to the signature process and the witnessing process.

The signature process includes a first stage of access andauthentication. Accordingly, when the signor clicks the link provide bythe E-signature platform, the signor may arrive at a unique URL(webpage, Web-app, or mobile-app) associated with the document to besigned. Subsequently, the audit trail may begin. Further, optionally,the signor's ID may be verified.

Further, at a second stage, the signature process may include a firstwitness action. Accordingly, if a witness ID is defined (e.g., whospecifically must witness the document), a first QR code pops up andremains on the signor electronic device until a Witnessing Process Level1 Verification is completed. In an instance, the requester, during thesignature request process, may identify who the witness should be byspecifying the witness ID. Alternatively, if the witness ID is notdefined, but required by the requester, the requester, during thesignature request process, may not define who the witness should be butenable the signor to specify who the witness should be. In this event,an Invite a Witness Process begins. Upon completion of the Invite aWitness Process, the first QR code pops up and remains on the signorelectronic device until Witnessing Process Level 1 Verification iscompleted.

Further, in a third stage, the signature process may include documentexecution. Accordingly, when the E-Signature platform receives anotification that the Witnessing Process Level 1 Verification iscompleted, the signor may be presented with the document to signelectronically. Subsequently, an E-Signature may be received from thesignor. Once the signor's signature is received, and the signor hits a“Submit” button, electronic signing of the document may be completed.

Further, in a fourth stage, the signature process may include a secondwitness action. Prior to final completion and acceptance of theelectronic signature, the E-Signature platform may present (on thesignor electronic device) a second QR code, which remains there until aWitnessing Process Level 2 Verification is completed. In someembodiments, the Witnessing Process Level 2 Verification and the secondQR code may be combined with Witnessing Process Level 1 Verification andpresented at either the beginning or the end. So, the second stage andthe fourth stage may be a single stage.

Further, in a fifth stage, the signature process may include receiving anotification, the E-Signature platform, that the Witnessing ProcessLevel 2 Verification is completed. Upon receipt of the notification, thesignature process may be completed.

Further, initiation of the witnessing process may take place based onthe witness clicking the link provided by the E-Signature platform onthe witness electronic device. Accordingly, when the witness clicks thelink, the witness may arrive at a unique URL (webpage, Web-app, ormobile-app) associated with the document. Subsequently, the audit trailmay be updated. Further, optionally, a witness ID corresponding to thewitness may be verified. Subsequently, if a proximity rule is defined,the proximity rule may be checked. Accordingly, if the proximity rule isverified, the witness electronic device may load a QR Code Scanner.Accordingly, the witness electronic device may scan the QR codedisplayed on the signor electronic device using the witness electronicdevice. Further, the QR code may determine which phase of witnessingverification will begin. For example, if QR code is a first QR Code,Witnessing Process Level 1 Verification may begin. If the QR code is asecond QR Code, Witnessing Process Level 1 Verification may begin.

In the Witnessing Process Level 1 Verification, the E-Signature platformmay provide the witness electronic device with document ID detailscorresponding to the document based on data obtained or made accessiblevia the first QR code. Further, the document ID details may include oneor more of a copy of the document, a copy of signor credentials, and acopy of requester information. Furthermore, the witness may be enabledto take a picture of the signor to confirm the signor ID. Additionally,the witness may also be enabled to capture biometrics of the signor.Additionally, the witness may be enabled to take a picture of thesignor's ID card to confirm the signor ID. Accordingly, the witnesselectronic device may include a feature of automatic ID Card scanning.Alternatively, the witness may simply click a button labeled “I haveconfirmed the signor ID”.

In the Witnessing Process Level 2 Verification, the E-Signature platformmay provide the witness electronic device with document ID details ofthe document based on data obtained or made accessible via the second QRcode. Further, the document ID details may include a copy of thesignature, a copy of ID details and a copy of the signed document.Further, the witness may simply click or check a box “I have confirmedthe signor ID”, and/or “I have witnessed the signature”.

E-Signature platform: An E-Signature platform may be the platform onwhich a document may be communicated, reviewed, filled-in (the in caseof fill-in-the-blank forms/templates), and signed electronically.

Document: Document may refer to any electronic document, including butnot limited to a pdf, doc, template, form, and the like.

Document details: Document details may refer to all credentialsassociated with the document (signors, signor emails, witness, witnessemails, access data, audit trail data, expiration data, view data,reminder data, communication data, and the like).

Unique URL: A unique URL may lead to the document stored at acentralized and secure location. The platform may be embodied as awebsite, web-app, software application, mobile application, or any othersoftware/hardware combination.

Audit trail: The audit trail keeps track of all user activity and userID data on the E-Signature platform. For instance, during a securityphase, the audit trail may capture pin code, role of party (i.e.signor/witness/CC/approving party etc.), biometrics and ID Cardverification. Further, during a tracking phase, the audit trail maycapture access data relating to the unique URL such as, IP address andTime/Date of access, document ID details and ID Verification, which mayinclude photos/scans/biometrics data. Based on the above, the audittrail may be employed for each access to the unique URL associated withthe document and provided to all parties.

Proximity Witnessing Requirement: The Requester may define a proximityrule during the signature request. If the proximity rule is active, theE-Signature platform may audit whether or not the witness is in physicalproximity of the signor. If proximity is required, during the signatureprocess the E-Signature Platform may determine whether the GPS locationof witness electronic device is in an appropriate proximity to thesignor electronic device. Alternatively, the E-Signature platform maydetermine whether the Wi-Fi Location/IP Address of the signor electronicdevice match those of the witness electronic device. Alternatively, theE-Signature platform may determine the proximity based on a Bluetoothconnection or any other form of near-field communication between thewitness electronic device and the signor electronic device.

However, when the proximity rule is not required, and when the witnessmay be remote from the signor, then a screen sharing session may beinitiated between the signor and the witness. The witness may access thesame URL it would have otherwise, go through the same ID verificationsteps, and view the signing of the document as the signor executes thedocument via the screen sharing technology. In some embodiments, a webcam may be used to enable the witness to verify the signor ID of thesignor. All of this may be recorded and saved as part of the audit trail(the entire screen sharing/webcam session.)

Invite a witness process: If the requester requires the document to bewitnessed, but gives the freedom for the signor to choose who they wantthe witness to be, the signor may be presented with an interface tospecify a name of the witness, an email address of the witness and apass code for use by the Witness. Further, in some embodiments, thesignor may choose from a list of approved or certified witnesses (e.g.notaries). The list may be provided by either the requester or theE-Signature platform.

Requester: The requester is a user of the E-Signature Platform whodefines which documents need to be signed, who needs to sign thosedocuments, and who needs to witness the signing of those documents. Eachsignor may have its own witness. The witness may be predefined by therequester, or the signor can select their own witness (see Invite awitness process).

QR code: A QR Code can refer to any type of computerized code (notlimited to QR Code) that conveys encrypted information associated withthe document details. The computerized code may be transferred byaudio/visual transmission/capture from the signor electronic device tothe witness electronic device. Further, the transmission/capture of theQR code may indicate that the witness is in proximity to the signor andcan actually view the document and the signor. Accordingly, the witnesselectronic device may capture the QR code presented on the signorelectronic device. Further, it may also indicate that the signor hasloaded the Document for Singing and has commenced the signing process.Furthermore, the QR code may load at specific times during the signatureprocess. When employing two QR codes at, for example, two differenttimes during the signature process, and requiring the witness to scaneach QR code, the E-Signature platform can determine that the witness isin proximity to the signor throughout the different stages of thesignature process.

Each time the QR Code loads, it may indicate document details,information for witness electronic device to access data associated withthe document and the stage of the signature process during which the QRcode was presented.

II. PLATFORM CONFIGURATION

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a platform consistent with variousembodiments of the present disclosure. By way of non-limiting example,the online platform 100 for facilitating electronic signing andwitnessing of electronic signing may be hosted on a centralized server110, such as, for example, a cloud computing service. The centralizedserver may communicate with other network entities, such as, forexample, a mobile device (such as a smartphone, a laptop, a tabletcomputer etc.) and other electronic devices (such as desktop computers,etc.) over a communication network 112, such as, but not limited to, theInternet. Further, users of the platform may include one or morerelevant parties such as, a requester of an electronic signature, asignor and one or more witnesses. Accordingly, electronic devicesoperated by the one or more relevant parties may be in communicationwith the platform. For example, the platform may be in communicationwith a signor electronic device 102 operated by the signor, a witnesselectronic device 104 operated by the witness and a requester electronicdevice 106 operated by the requester.

A user 105, such as the one or more relevant parties, may accessplatform 100 through a software application. The software applicationmay be embodied as, for example, but not be limited to, a website, a webapplication, a desktop application, and a mobile application compatiblewith a computing device 700. One possible embodiment of the softwareapplication may be provided by AdobeSign™ products and services.Accordingly, in an instance, the user 105 may be a requester of anelectronic signing who may specify a document to be electronicallysigned, a signor ID of a signor who is required to provide an electronicsignature, a witness ID of a witness (or a list of witnesses) who isrequired to witness the electronic signing of the document and so on.Further, in another instance, the user 105 may be the signor who maydesignate one or more witnesses by specifying corresponding one or morewitness IDs.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the platform may be embodied as asystem for facilitating electronic signing of a document. The system mayinclude a communication interface configured to receive a signatureaccess request from a signor electronic device associated with a signor.Further, the communication interface may be configured to receive afirst confirmation (for example, but not limited to, a signor IDconfirmation) from a witness electronic device associated with awitness. Furthermore, the signor ID confirmation may be provided by thewitness. Further, the communication interface may be configured totransmit the document to the signor electronic device based on thesignor ID confirmation. Additionally, the signor electronic device maybe configured to present the document to the signor and receive anelectronic signature from the signor. Further, the communicationinterface may be configured to receive a second confirmation (forexample, but not limited to, a signature confirmation) from the witnesselectronic device. Furthermore, the signature confirmation may beprovided by the witness. Further, the communication interface may beconfigured to receive a signed document from the signor electronicdevice. Additionally, the signed document may include the electronicsignature of the signor. Further, the electronic signature may bevalidated based on receipt of each of the first confirmation and thesignature confirmation.

In some embodiments, the communication interface may be furtherconfigured to transmit a first code associated with the document to thesignor electronic device. Further, the first code may include a documentidentifier associated with the document and a signor identifierassociated with the signor. Furthermore, the first confirmation may bebased on the first code. Additionally, the witness electronic device maybe configured to receive the first code based on an interaction betweenthe signor electronic device and the witness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the communication interface may be furtherconfigured to transmit a second code associated with the document to thesignor electronic device. Further, the second code may include a signoridentifier associated with the signor and the electronic signature ofthe signor. Furthermore, the signature confirmation may be based on thesecond code. Additionally, the witness electronic device may beconfigured to receive the second code based on an interaction betweenthe signor electronic device and the witness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the communication interface may be furtherconfigured to receive one or more of: a) an image of the signor from thewitness electronic device, wherein the image may be captured by thewitness electronic device; b) an image of the signor from the witnesselectronic device, wherein the image may be captured by the signorelectronic device, wherein the signor electronic device may be in one ormore of a webcam session and a screen sharing session with the witnesselectronic device; c) a biometric feature of the signor from the witnesselectronic device, wherein the biometric feature may be captured by thewitness electronic device; d) a scan of an identification card of thesignor from the witness electronic device, wherein the scan may becaptured by the witness electronic device; e) a scan of the signor fromthe witness electronic device, wherein the scan may be captured by thesignor electronic device, wherein the signor electronic device may be inone or more of a webcam session and a screen sharing session with thewitness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the system may further include a processorconfigured to generate an audit trail including audit data correspondingto at least one event associated with one or more of the signorelectronic device, the witness electronic device and the platform (i.e.the system).

Further provided, is a system of facilitating witnessing of electronicsigning of a document. The system may include a communication interfaceconfigured to receive a first confirmation from a witness electronicdevice associated with a witness. Further, the first confirmation may beprovided by the witness. Furthermore, the first confirmation may bebased on a first code presented on a signor electronic device.Additionally, the witness electronic device may be configured to receivethe first code based on an interaction between the signor electronicdevice and the witness electronic device. Further, the communicationinterface may be configured to receive a second confirmation from thewitness electronic device associated with a witness. Furthermore, thesecond confirmation may be provided by the witness. Moreover, the secondconfirmation may be based on a second code presented on the signorelectronic device. Further, the witness electronic device may beconfigured to receive the second code based on an interaction betweenthe signor electronic device and the witness electronic device.Additionally, the system may include a processor configured to establishwitnessing of electronic signing of the document by the signor based onreceipt of each of the first confirmation and the second confirmation.

In some embodiments, the communication interface may be furtherconfigured to receive a proximity indicator from one or more of thesignor electronic device and the witness electronic device. Further, theproximity indicator may be generated based on proximity of the signorelectronic device to the witness electronic device. Additionally, thecommunication interface may be further configured transmit an activationcommand to the witness electronic device based on the proximity of thewitness to the signor. Further, the activation command may be configuredto activate a scanner comprised in the witness electronic device.Furthermore, the scanner may be configured to capture one or more of thefirst code and the second code.

Turning to FIG. 2, a system for facilitating electronic signing andwitnessing of the electronic signing is illustrated, in accordance withsome embodiments. As shown, each of the signor electronic device 102 andthe witness electronic device 104 may be in communication with theE-signature platform 100 (i.e. the system) over the communicationnetwork 112 (such a for example, a long distance communication network).Further, the signor electronic device 102 may be operated by a signor202. Accordingly, in order to obtain an electronic signature on adocument 204, the document 204 may be presented to the signor 202 on thesignor electronic device 102. Further, the platform may also transmitone or more QR codes (such as QR code 206) to be presented on the signorelectronic device. Further, the one or more QR codes received by thesignor electronic device 102 may be captured by the witness electronicdevice 104 through a number of techniques. For instance, the witnesselectronic device 104 may be in communication with the signor electronicdevice 102 over a communication channel 208 which may be a long distancecommunication network such as the Internet and/or a short rangecommunication such as Bluetooth. Alternatively, the witness electronicdevice 104 may include a QR scanner 212 (or a camera) configured tooptically capture the one or more QR codes presented on the signorelectronic device 102. Accordingly, the witness 210 operating thewitness electronic device 104 may be able to direct the witnesselectronic device 104 towards the signor electronic device 102 in orderto capture the one or more QR codes. Further, subsequent to capturingthe one or more QR codes, the witness electronic device 104 may notifythe platform of the one or more QR codes captured. Accordingly, theplatform may establish electronic witnessing by witness 210 of theelectronic signing process performed by the signor 202.

For example, the platform may transmit a first QR code to the signorelectronic device 102. Subsequently, the first QR code may be presentedon a display device of the signor electronic device 102. Further, thewitness 210 may capture the first QR code using the camera of thewitness electronic device 104 resulting in a copy of the first QR code214 being available on the witness electronic device 104. The first QRcode may include information regarding the signor ID associated with thesignor 202 and document detail regarding the document 204. The witnesselectronic device 104 may then notify the platform of the receipt of thecopy of the first QR code 214. For instance, the witness electronicdevice 104 may transmit the copy of the first QR code 214 to theplatform. Since the platform originally generated the first QR code, theplatform may be enabled to validate the possession of the first QR codeby the witness electronic device 104. In other words, the platform mayestablish that the witness electronic device 104 is in physicalproximity of the signor electronic device 102. Therefore, it may beinferred that the witness 210 is in physical presence of the signor 202.Accordingly, a witnessing of one or more stages of the electronicsigning process may be validated.

For instance, the first QR code may be used to validate the signor ID.In other words, by notifying the platform of the receipt of the copy ofthe QR code, the platform may establish that the witness validates anidentity of the signor 202. Likewise, the platform may transmit a secondQR code to the signor electronic device 102 subsequent to validation ofthe signor ID and during the electronic signing. Accordingly, thewitness electronic device 104 may capture the second QR code and notifythe platform. Therefore, by notifying the platform of the receipt of thecopy of the second QR code, the platform may establish that the witnessvalidates electronic signing of the document 204 by the signor 202.

Turning now to FIG. 3A, a GUI 300A for facilitating electronic signingis illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. The GUI 300A may bepresented on the signor electronic device 102. Further, the GUI 300A maybe configured to display the document 204 to the signor 202.Accordingly, subsequent to reviewing the document 204, the signor 202may be enabled to provide an electronic signature by activating anelectronic signing button 302 in the GUI 300A.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a GUI 300B for facilitating electronic witnessingof electronic signing is illustrated, in accordance with someembodiments. The GUI 300B may be presented on the witness electronicdevice 104. Further, the GUI 300B may be configured to display thedocument 204 to the witness 210 along with the signor ID of the signor202. Further, the GUI 300B may also provide one or more GUI elements(such as GUI elements 304 and 306) to confirm one or more of the signorID and the electronic signing of the document 204.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sequence diagram corresponding to a method offacilitating electronic witnessing of electronic signing of a document,in accordance with some embodiments. At stage 402, the signor 202 mayperform an action on the signor electronic device 102 in order togenerate a request to perform electronic signing of a document. Forinstance, the action may be clicking a link previously transmitted tothe signor electronic device by the platform 100. Based on the request,the platform 100 may transmit a first QR code to the signor electronicdevice 102 at stage 406. The first QR code may encode informationregarding one or more of the document, signor ID of the signor 202,witness ID of the witness 210 and a requester ID of the requester of theelectronic signing. Subsequently, at stage 408, the witness electronicdevice 104 may interact with the signor electronic device 102 in orderto receive the first QR code. For example, a camera in the witnesselectronic device 104 may capture the first QR code displayed on adisplay of the signor electronic device 102. Accordingly, the first QRcode may be decoded and information encoded in the first QR code may bedisplayed to the witness 210. As a result, the witness may be able toview one or more of the document, the signor ID of the signor 202, thewitness ID of the witness 210 and the requester ID of the requester ofthe electronic signing. Subsequently, the witness 210 may perform avalidation of the signor ID at stage 410 by interacting with a GUI (e.g.GUI 300B) on the witness electronic device 104. Accordingly, duringstage 412, the witness electronic device 104 may transmit a notificationto the platform 100 indicating verification of the signor ID by thewitness 210. Subsequently, at stage 414, the platform 100 may transmitthe document to the signor electronic device 102 for electronic signing.Further, at stage 416, the platform 100 may transmit a second QR code tothe signor electronic device 102. Accordingly, during the electronicsigning process, the second QR code may be displayed on the display ofthe signor electronic device 102. Further, while the electronic signingis in progress, the witness electronic device 104 may interact with thesignor electronic device 102, at stage 418, in order to obtain thesecond QR code. Subsequently, at stage 420 the witness may interact withthe GUI (such as GUI 300B) in order to validate the electronic signingprocess as being performed by the individual associated by the signorID. Further at stage 422, the witness electronic device 104 may notifythe platform 100 of the validation of the electronic signing.Thereafter, at stage 424, the platform 100 may receive the signedelectronic document from the signor electronic device 102. Further,based on each of validation of signor ID and validation of electronicsigning, the platform 100 may establish electronic witnessing of theelectronic signing.

As will be detailed with reference to FIG. 7 below, the computing devicethrough which the E-Signature platform may be accessed may comprise, butnot be limited to, for example, a desktop computer, laptop, a tablet, ormobile telecommunications device. As will be detailed with reference toFIG. 7 below, the computing device through which the platform may beaccessed may comprise, but not be limited to, for example, a desktopcomputer, laptop, a tablet, or mobile telecommunications device. Thoughthe present disclosure is written with reference to a mobiletelecommunications device, it should be understood that any computingdevice may be employed to provide the various embodiments disclosedherein.

III. PLATFORM OPERATION

Although methods 500 and 600 have been described to be performed byplatform 100, it should be understood that computing device 700 may beused to perform the various stages of methods 500 and 600. Furthermore,in some embodiments, different operations may be performed by differentnetworked elements in operative communication with computing device 700.For example, server 110 may be employed in the performance of some orall of the stages in methods 500 and 600. Moreover, server 110 may beconfigured much like computing device 700.

Although the stages illustrated by the flow charts are disclosed in aparticular order, it should be understood that the order is disclosedfor illustrative purposes only. Stages may be combined, separated,reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist. Accordingly, itshould be understood that the various stages illustrated within the flowchart may be, in various embodiments, performed in arrangements thatdiffer from the ones illustrated. Moreover, various stages may be addedor removed from the flow charts without altering or deterring from thefundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein.Ways to implement the stages of methods 500 and 600 will be described ingreater detail below.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method 500 of facilitatingelectronic signing of an electronic document, in accordance with someembodiments. The method may include a stage 502 of receiving, using acommunication interface, a signature access request from a signorelectronic device associated with a signor. Further, the method mayinclude a stage 504 of receiving, using the communication interface, afirst confirmation from a witness electronic device associated with awitness. The first confirmation may be provided by the witness. Further,the method may include a stage 506 of transmitting, using thecommunication interface, the document to the signor electronic devicebased on the first confirmation. Furthermore, the signor electronicdevice may be configured to present the document to the signor andreceive an electronic signature from the signor. Further, the method mayinclude a stage 508 of receiving, using the communication interface, asecond confirmation (for example, but not limited to, a signatureconfirmation) from the witness electronic device. The signatureconfirmation may be provided by the witness. Further, the method mayinclude a stage 510 of receiving, using the communication interface, asigned document from the signor electronic device. Furthermore, thesigned document may include the electronic signature of the signor.Additionally, the electronic signature may be validated based on receiptof each of the first confirmation and the signature confirmation.

In some embodiments, the method 500 may further include transmitting,using the communication interface, a first code associated with thedocument to the signor electronic device. Further, the first code mayinclude a document identifier associated with the document and a signoridentifier associated with the signor. Further, the first confirmationmay be based on the first code. Further, the witness electronic devicemay be configured to receive the first code based on an interactionbetween the signor electronic device and the witness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the method 500 may further include transmitting,using the communication interface, a second code associated with thedocument to the signor electronic device. Further, the second code mayinclude a signor identifier associated with the signor and theelectronic signature of the signor. Further, the signature confirmationmay be based on the second code. Further, the witness electronic devicemay be configured to receive the second code based on an interactionbetween the signor electronic device and the witness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the method 500 may further include receiving, usingthe communication interface, one or more of: an image of the signor fromthe witness electronic device. Further, the image may be captured by thewitness electronic device; an image of the signor from the witnesselectronic device. Further, the image may be captured by the signorelectronic device. Further, the signor electronic device may be in oneor more of a webcam session and a screen sharing session with thewitness electronic device; a biometric feature of the signor from thewitness electronic device. Further, the biometric feature may becaptured by the witness electronic device; a scan of an identificationcard of the signor from the witness electronic device. Further, the scanmay be captured by the witness electronic device; a scan of the signorfrom the witness electronic device. Further, the scan may be captured bythe signor electronic device. Further, the signor electronic device maybe in one or more of a webcam session and a screen sharing session withthe witness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the method 500 may further include generating,using a processor, an audit trail including audit data corresponding toat least one event associated with one or more of the signor electronicdevice and the witness electronic device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method 600 of facilitatingwitnessing of electronic signing of an electronic document, inaccordance with some embodiments. The method 600 may include a stage 602of receiving, using the communication interface, a first confirmation(for example, but not limited to, a signor ID confirmation) from awitness electronic device associated with a witness. The signor IDconfirmation may be provided by the witness. Further, the signor IDconfirmation may be based on a first code presented on a signorelectronic device associated with the signor. Furthermore, the witnesselectronic device may be configured to receive the first code based onan interaction between the signor electronic device and the witnesselectronic device. Additionally, the method may include a stage 604 ofreceiving, using the communication interface, a signature confirmationfrom the witness electronic device associated with a witness. Thesignature confirmation may be provided by the witness. Further, thesignature confirmation may be based on a second code presented on thesignor electronic device. Furthermore, the witness electronic device maybe configured to receive the second code based on an interaction betweenthe signor electronic device and the witness electronic device.Additionally, the method may include a stage 606 of establishing, usinga processor, witnessing of electronic signing of the document by thesignor based on receipt of each of the signor ID confirmation and thesignature confirmation.

In some embodiments, the method 600 may further include receiving, usingthe communication interface, a proximity indicator from one or more ofthe signor electronic device and the witness electronic device. Further,the proximity indicator may be generated based on proximity of thesignor electronic device to the witness electronic device. Additionally,the method 600 may include transmitting, using the communicationinterface, an activation command to the witness electronic device basedon the proximity of the witness to the signor. Further, the activationcommand may be configured to activate a scanner comprised in the witnesselectronic device. Furthermore, the scanner may be configured to captureone or more of the first code and the second code.

A method of facilitating witnessing of electronic signing of a document,according to some embodiments. The method may include transmitting,using a communication interface, a document to a signor electronicdevice associated with a signor. Further, the signor electronic devicemay be configured to present the document to the signor and receive anelectronic signature from the signor. Further, the method may includetransmitting, using the communication interface, a unique codeassociated with the document to the signor electronic device. Further,the method may include transmitting, using a communication interface, awitness request to a witness electronic device associated with awitness. Further, the witness electronic device may be configured tointeract with the signor electronic device. Further, the method mayinclude receiving, using the communication interface, an attestment fromthe witness electronic device. Further, the attestment may validateauthenticity of the electronic signature as belonging to the signor.Further, the attestment may include the unique code. Further, thewitness electronic device may be configured to receive the unique codebased on an interaction between the signor electronic device and thewitness electronic device. Further, the method may include receiving,using the communication interface, a signed document from the signorelectronic device. Further, the signed document may include theelectronic signature of the signor.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving, using thecommunication interface, a signature request from a requester electronicdevice associated with a requester. Further, the signature request mayinclude a document identifier associated with the document and one ormore of a signor identifier associated with the signor and a witnessidentifier associated with the witness.

In some embodiments, the signature request further may include thedocument.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving, using thecommunication interface, a witness invite from the signor electronicdevice. Further, the witness invite may include a witness identifierassociated with the witness.

In some embodiments, the witness invite further may include an emailaddress of the witness and a witness passcode. Further, the witnesspasscode may be configured to facilitate authentication of the witness.

In some embodiments, the method may further include transmitting, usingthe communication interface, a list of certified witnesses to the signorelectronic device. Further, the witness identifier may be selected fromthe list of certified witnesses.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: transmitting, usingthe communication interface, a signature request to the signorelectronic device; and transmitting, using the communication interface,a witness request to the witness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the signature request may include a signaturehyperlink. Further, the witness request may include a witness hyperlink.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving, usingthe communication interface, a signor credential from the signorelectronic device; and authenticating, using a processor, the signorbased on the signor credential.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving, usingthe communication interface, a witness credential from the witnesselectronic device; and authenticating, using a processor, the witnessbased on the witness credential.

In some embodiments, the unique code may include a code configured to bedisplayed on the signor electronic device.

In some embodiments, the code may include a first Quick Response (QR

code including one or more of a document identifier associated with thedocument, the document, a signor identifier associated with the signor,a requester identifier associated with a requester.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving, using thecommunication interface, an image of the signor from the witnesselectronic device. Further, the image may be captured by the witnesselectronic device.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving, using thecommunication interface, an image of the signor from the witnesselectronic device. Further, the image may be captured by the signorelectronic device. Further, the signor electronic device may be in oneor more of a web cam session and a screen sharing session with thewitness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving, using thecommunication interface, a biometric feature of the signor from thewitness electronic device. Further, the biometric feature may becaptured by the witness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving, using thecommunication interface, a scan of an identification card of the signorfrom the witness electronic device. Further, the scan may be captured bythe witness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving, using thecommunication interface, a scan of the signor from the witnesselectronic device. Further, the scan may be captured by the signorelectronic device. Further, the signor electronic device may be in oneor more of a webcam session and a screen sharing session with thewitness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the method may further include, receiving, usingthe communication interface, a signor ID confirmation from the witnesselectronic device. Further, the signor ID confirmation may be providedby the witness.

In some embodiments, the code may include a second Quick Response (QR

code including one or more of a document identifier associated with thedocument, the document, a signor identifier associated with the signor,the electronic signature of the signor and the signed document.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving, using thecommunication interface, a signor ID confirmation from the witnesselectronic device. Further, the signor ID confirmation may be providedby the witness.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving, using thecommunication interface, a signature confirmation from the witnesselectronic device. Further, the signature confirmation may be providedby the witness.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving, using thecommunication interface a proximity indicator from one or more of thesignor electronic device and the witness electronic device. Further, theproximity indicator may be generated based on proximity of the signorelectronic device to the witness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the proximity indicator may be generated based on anear field communication between the signor electronic device and thewitness electronic device.

In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving, usingthe communication interface, each of a signor location associated withthe signor electronic device and a witness location associated with thewitness electronic device; comparing, using a processor, the signorlocation with the witness location; and determining, using theprocessor, a proximity of the witness to the signor based on a result ofthe comparing.

In some embodiments, the method may further include activating a scannercomprised in the witness electronic device based on the proximity of thewitness to the signor.

In some embodiments, the scanner may include an optical scannerconfigured to scan a Quick Response (QR) code.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving, using thecommunication interface, a proximity requirement from a requesterelectronic device associated with a requester.

In some embodiments, each of the signor location and the witnesslocation may be based on one or more of a GPS location and a WiFiLocation.

In some embodiments, the method may further include generating, using aprocessor, an audit trail including audit data corresponding to at leastone event associated with one or more of the signor electronic deviceand the witness electronic device.

Further disclosed is a method of establishing witnessing of electronicsigning of a document, in accordance with some embodiments. The methodmay include receiving, using a communication interface, a signaturerequest from a requester electronic device associated with a requester.Further, the signature request may include a document identifierassociated with a document and one or more of a signor identifierassociated with the signor and a witness identifier associated with thewitness. Further, the method may include transmitting, using thecommunication interface, the document to a signor electronic deviceassociated with the signor. Further, the signor electronic device may beconfigured to present the document to the signor and receive anelectronic signature from the signor. Further, the method may includetransmitting, using the communication interface, a first Quick Access(QR)

code to the signor electronic device. Further, the QR code may includeeach of the document identifier, the signor identifier and a requesteridentifier associated with the requester; receiving, using thecommunication interface, a first notification from the witnesselectronic device. Further, the first notification may be generatedbased on capturing of the first QR code by the witness electronicdevice; receiving, using the communication interface, a signor IDconfirmation from the witness electronic device. Further, the signor IDconfirmation may be provided by the witness; transmitting, using thecommunication interface, a second QR code including a link to each ofthe electronic signature of the signor and the signed document;receiving, using the communication interface, a second notification fromthe witness electronic device. Further, the second notification may begenerated based on capturing of the second QR code by the witnesselectronic device; receiving, using the communication interface, asignature confirmation from the witness electronic device. Further, thesignature confirmation may be provided by the witness; receiving, usingthe communication interface, the signed document from the signorelectronic device. Further, the signed document may include theelectronic signature of the signor; and establishing, using theprocessor, witnessing of electronic signing of the document based oneach of the first notification, the signature ID confirmation, thesecond notification, the signature confirmation and receipt of thesigned document.

IV. PLATFORM ARCHITECTURE

The platform 100 may be embodied as, for example, but not be limited to,a website, a web application, a desktop application, and a mobileapplication compatible with a computing device. The computing device maycomprise, but not be limited to, a desktop computer, laptop, a tablet,or mobile telecommunications device. Moreover, the platform 100 may behosted on a centralized server, such as, for example, a cloud computingservice. Although methods 500 and 600 have been described to beperformed by a computing device 700, it should be understood that, insome embodiments, different operations may be performed by differentnetworked elements in operative communication with computing device 700.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a system having amemory storage and a processing unit. The processing unit coupled to thememory storage, wherein the processing unit is configured to perform thestages of methods 500 and 600.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a system including computing device 700.Consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure, the aforementionedmemory storage and processing unit may be implemented in a computingdevice, such as computing device 700 of FIG. 7. Any suitable combinationof hardware, software, or firmware may be used to implement the memorystorage and processing unit. For example, the memory storage andprocessing unit may be implemented with computing device 700 or any ofother computing devices 718, in combination with computing device 700.The aforementioned system, device, and processors are examples and othersystems, devices, and processors may comprise the aforementioned memorystorage and processing unit, consistent with embodiments of thedisclosure.

With reference to FIG. 7, a system consistent with an embodiment of thedisclosure may include a computing device or cloud service, such ascomputing device 700. In a basic configuration, computing device 700 mayinclude at least one processing unit 702 and a system memory 704.Depending on the configuration and type of computing device, systemmemory 704 may comprise, but is not limited to, volatile (e.g. randomaccess memory (RAM)), non-volatile (e.g. read-only memory (ROM)), flashmemory, or any combination. System memory 704 may include operatingsystem 705, one or more programming modules 706, and may include aprogram data 707. Operating system 705, for example, may be suitable forcontrolling computing device 700's operation. In one embodiment,programming modules 706 may include image encoding module, machinelearning module and image classifying module. Furthermore, embodimentsof the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with a graphicslibrary, other operating systems, or any other application program andis not limited to any particular application or system. This basicconfiguration is illustrated in FIG. 7 by those components within adashed line 708.

Computing device 700 may have additional features or functionality. Forexample, computing device 700 may also include additional data storagedevices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magneticdisks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated inFIG. 7 by a removable storage 709 and a non-removable storage 710.Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removableand non-removable media implemented in any method or technology forstorage of information, such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data. System memory 704, removablestorage 709, and non-removable storage 710 are all computer storagemedia examples (i.e., memory storage.) Computer storage media mayinclude, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasableread-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to storeinformation and which can be accessed by computing device 700. Any suchcomputer storage media may be part of device 700. Computing device 700may also have input device(s) 712 such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, asound input device, a touch input device, etc. Output device(s) 714 suchas a display, speakers, a printer, etc. may also be included. Theaforementioned devices are examples and others may be used.

Computing device 700 may also contain a communication connection 716that may allow device 700 to communicate with other computing devices718, such as over a network in a distributed computing environment, forexample, an intranet or the Internet. Communication connection 716 isone example of communication media. Communication media may typically beembodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, programmodules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information deliverymedia. The term “modulated data signal” may describe a signal that hasone or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encodeinformation in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media may include wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radiofrequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. The term computerreadable media as used herein may include both storage media andcommunication media.

As stated above, a number of program modules and data files may bestored in system memory 704, including operating system 705. Whileexecuting on processing unit 702, programming modules 706 (e.g.,application 720) may perform processes including, for example, stages ofone or more of methods 500 and 600 as described above. Theaforementioned process is an example, and processing unit 702 mayperform other processes. Other programming modules that may be used inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include imageencoding applications, machine learning application, image classifiersetc.

Generally, consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, programmodules may include routines, programs, components, data structures, andother types of structures that may perform particular tasks or that mayimplement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments of thedisclosure may be practiced with other computer system configurations,including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of thedisclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in anelectrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged orintegrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizinga microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements ormicroprocessors. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practicedusing other technologies capable of performing logical operations suchas, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited tomechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition,embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced within a general purposecomputer or in any other circuits or systems.

Embodiments of the disclosure, for example, may be implemented as acomputer process (method), a computing system, or as an article ofmanufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readablemedia. The computer program product may be a computer storage mediareadable by a computer system and encoding a computer program ofinstructions for executing a computer process. The computer programproduct may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by acomputing system and encoding a computer program of instructions forexecuting a computer process. Accordingly, the present disclosure may beembodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, residentsoftware, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the presentdisclosure may take the form of a computer program product on acomputer-usable or computer-readable storage medium havingcomputer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the mediumfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. Acomputer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that cancontain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for useby or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice.

The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example butnot limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagationmedium. More specific computer-readable medium examples (anon-exhaustive list), the computer-readable medium may include thefollowing: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portablecomputer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flashmemory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory(CD-ROM). Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable mediumcould even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program isprinted, as the program can be electronically captured, via, forinstance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled,interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary,and then stored in a computer memory.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, are described abovewith reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations ofmethods, systems, and computer program products according to embodimentsof the disclosure. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur outof the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality/acts involved.

While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, otherembodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been described as being associated with data stored inmemory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or readfrom other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storagedevices, like hard disks, solid state storage (e.g., USB drive), or aCD-ROM, a carrier wave from the Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM.Further, the disclosed methods' stages may be modified in any manner,including by reordering stages and/or inserting or deleting stages,without departing from the disclosure.

All rights including copyrights in the code included herein are vestedin and the property of the Applicant. The Applicant retains and reservesall rights in the code included herein, and grants permission toreproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of thegranted patent and for no other purpose.

V. CLAIMS

While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's scope isindicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specificationhas been described in language specific to structural features and/ormethodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or actsdescribed above. Rather, the specific features and acts described aboveare disclosed as example for embodiments of the disclosure.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing discloseany additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claimsbelow, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right tofile one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures isreserved.

The following is claimed:
 1. A method of facilitating electronic signingof a document, the method comprising: receiving an indication of asignature access request from a signor electronic device associated witha signor; receiving a first confirmation from a witness electronicdevice associated with a witness, wherein receiving the firstconfirmation comprises receiving a first code comprising a documentidentifier associated with the document and a signor identifierassociated with the signor, the first code being received based on aninteraction between the witness electronic device and the signorelectronic device; enabling the electronic signing of the document tothe signor electronic device based on the first confirmation, whereinthe signor electronic device is configured to present the document tothe signor and receive an electronic signature from the signor;receiving a second confirmation from the witness electronic device; andreceiving an indication of a signed document, wherein the signeddocument comprises the electronic signature of the signor.
 2. The methodof claim 1, further comprising receiving a second code comprising thesignor identifier associated with the signor and the electronicsignature of the signor, wherein the second confirmation is based on thesecond code, wherein receiving the second code comprises receiving thesecond code associated with an interaction between the signor electronicdevice and the witness electronic device.
 3. The method of claim 1,further comprising receiving at least one of the following: an image ofthe signor from the witness electronic device, wherein the image iscaptured by the witness electronic device, an image of the signor fromthe witness electronic device, wherein the image is captured by thesignor electronic device, wherein the signor electronic device is in atleast one of the following: a webcam session and a screen sharingsession with the witness electronic device, a biometric feature of thesignor from the witness electronic device, wherein the biometric featureis captured by the witness electronic device, a scan of anidentification card of the signor from the witness electronic device,wherein the scan is captured by the witness electronic device, and ascan of the identification card the signor from the witness electronicdevice, wherein the scan is captured by the signor electronic device,wherein the signor electronic device is in at least one of thefollowing: the webcam session and the screen sharing session with thewitness electronic device.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprisinggenerating, using a processor, an audit trail comprising audit datacorresponding to at least one event associated with at least one of thefollowing: the signor electronic device and the witness electronicdevice.
 5. A method of facilitating witnessing of electronic signing ofa document by a signor, the method comprising: receiving a firstconfirmation from a witness electronic device associated with a witness,wherein receiving the first confirmation comprises receiving anindication that the witness is to attest an execution of the document bythe signor and wherein the first confirmation is based on a first codethat is transmitted in response to an interaction of the witnesselectronic device with at least one of the following: the signor and asignor electronic device; making the document available for execution tothe signor electronic device; receiving a second confirmation from thewitness electronic device, wherein the second confirmation is providedin response to a completion of the electronic signing of the document;and establishing witnessing of the electronic signing of the document bythe signor based on receipt of each of the following: the firstconfirmation and the second confirmation.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein receiving the first confirmation comprises: receiving aproximity indicator from at least one of the signor electronic deviceand the witness electronic device, wherein the proximity indicator isgenerated based on proximity of the signor electronic device to thewitness electronic device, and transmitting an activation command to thewitness electronic device based on the proximity of the witnesselectronic device to the signor electronic device, wherein theactivation command is configured to activate a scanner comprised in thewitness electronic device, wherein the scanner is configured to capturethe first code.
 7. A system for facilitating electronic signing of adocument, the system comprising: a memory storage; and a processing unitcoupled to the memory storage, wherein the processing unit is configuredto: receive an indication that a witness is to attest an execution ofthe document by a signor using a signor electronic device, receive afirst confirmation from a witness electronic device associated with thewitness, wherein the first confirmation comprises a document identifierassociated with the document and a signor identifier associated with thesignor, wherein the first confirmation is based on a first codeassociated with an interaction between the signor electronic device andthe witness electronic device, enable the electronic signing of thedocument by the signor electronic device based on the firstconfirmation, wherein the signor electronic device is configured topresent the document to the signor and receive an electronic signaturefrom the signor, receive a second confirmation from the witnesselectronic device, and validate the electronic signing based on, atleast in part, receipt of each of the first confirmation and the secondconfirmation.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the processing unit isfurther configured to transmit a second code associated with thedocument to the signor electronic device, wherein the secondconfirmation is based on the second code.
 9. The system of claim 7,wherein the processing unit is further configured to receive at leastone of the following: an image of the signor from the witness electronicdevice, wherein the image is captured by the witness electronic device,an image of the signor from the witness electronic device, wherein theimage is captured by the signor electronic device, wherein the signorelectronic device is in at least one of the following: a webcam sessionand a screen sharing session with the witness electronic device, abiometric feature of the signor from the witness electronic device,wherein the biometric feature is captured by the witness electronicdevice, a scan of an identification card of the signor from the witnesselectronic device, wherein the scan is captured by the witnesselectronic device, and a scan of the identification card of the signorfrom the witness electronic device, wherein the scan is captured by thesignor electronic device, wherein the signor electronic device is in atleast one of the following: the webcam session and the screen sharingsession with the witness electronic device.
 10. The system of claim 7,wherein the processing unit is configured to generate an audit trailcomprising audit data corresponding to at least one event associatedwith at least one of the following: the signor electronic device and thewitness electronic device.
 11. A system of facilitating witnessing ofelectronic signing of a document, the system comprising: a memorystorage; and a processing unit coupled to the memory storage, whereinthe processing unit is configured to: receive a first confirmation froma witness electronic device associated with a witness, wherein the firstconfirmation is based on a first code made available on a signorelectronic device, wherein the witness electronic device is configuredto receive the first code based on a first interaction between thesignor electronic device and the witness electronic device, enable theelectronic signing of the document by the signor electronic device, andreceive a second confirmation from the witness electronic deviceassociated with the witness, wherein the second confirmation is providedby the witness, wherein the second confirmation is based on a secondcode made available on the signor electronic device, wherein the witnesselectronic device is configured to receive the second code based on asecond interaction between the signor electronic device and the witnesselectronic device.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the processingunit is further configured to: receive a proximity indicator from atleast one of the signor electronic device and the witness electronicdevice, wherein the proximity indicator is generated based on proximityof the signor electronic device to the witness electronic device; andtransmit an activation command to the witness electronic device based onthe proximity of the witness electronic device to the signor electronicdevice, wherein the activation command is configured to activate ascanner comprised in the witness electronic device, wherein the scanneris configured to capture at least one of the following: the first codeand the second code.
 13. A non-transitory computer readable mediumcomprising program code for facilitating electronic signing of adocument, wherein execution of the program code by a processor cause theprocessor to: receive a signature access request from a signorelectronic device associated with a signor; receive a first confirmationfrom a witness electronic device associated with a witness, wherein thefirst confirmation is based on a first code, wherein the first code isassociated with an interaction between the signor electronic device andthe witness electronic device; transmit the document to the signorelectronic device based on the first confirmation, wherein the signorelectronic device is configured to present the document to the signorand receive an electronic signature from the signor; receive a secondconfirmation from the witness electronic device; and validate theelectronic signature based on receipt of each of the following: thefirst confirmation and the second confirmation.
 14. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the second confirmationcomprises a second code wherein the second code is associated with asubsequent interaction between the signor electronic device and thewitness electronic device.
 15. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 13, wherein the program code further comprisesinstructions executable by the processor to cause the communicationinterface to receive at least one of: an image of the signor from thewitness electronic device, wherein the image is captured by the witnesselectronic device; an image of the signor from the witness electronicdevice, wherein the image is captured by the signor electronic device,wherein the signor electronic device is in at least one of thefollowing: a webcam session and a screen sharing session with thewitness electronic device; a biometric feature of the signor from thewitness electronic device, wherein the biometric feature is captured bythe witness electronic device; a scan of an identification card of thesignor from the witness electronic device, wherein the scan is capturedby the witness electronic device; and a scan of the identification cardof the signor from the witness electronic device, wherein the scan iscaptured by the signor electronic device, wherein the signor electronicdevice is in at least one of the following: the webcam session and thescreen sharing session with the witness electronic device.
 16. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the programcode further comprises instructions executable by the processor to causethe processor to generate an audit trail comprising audit datacorresponding to at least one event associated with at least one of thesignor electronic device and the witness electronic device.
 17. Anon-transitory computer readable medium comprising program code forfacilitating witnessing of electronic signing of a document, whereinexecution of the program code by a processor causes the processor to:receive a specification of a witness identifier; communicate data to anaddress associated with the witness identifier; establish communicationwith a witness electronic device associated with the witness identifier;receive a first confirmation from the witness electronic device, thefirst confirmation being associated with a code comprising a documentidentifier associated with the document and a signor identifierassociated with the signor, wherein the first confirmation is receivedin response to an interaction between a signor electronic device and thewitness electronic device; enable the document for the electronicsigning; receive a second confirmation from the witness electronicdevice, wherein the second confirmation is provided in response to acompletion of the electronic signing of the document; and establishwitnessing of the electronic signing of the document by the signor basedon receipt of each of the following: the first confirmation and thesecond confirmation.
 18. A method of facilitating electronic signing ofa document, the method comprising: receiving an indication of asignature access request from a signor electronic device associated witha signor; receiving a first confirmation from a witness electronicdevice associated with a witness; enabling the electronic signing of thedocument to the signor electronic device based on the firstconfirmation, wherein the signor electronic device is configured topresent the document to the signor and receive an electronic signaturefrom the signor; receiving a second confirmation from the witnesselectronic device, wherein receiving the second confirmation comprisesreceiving a first code comprising a signor identifier associated withthe signor and the electronic signature of the signor, the first codebeing received based on an interaction between the signor electronicdevice and the witness electronic device; and receiving an indication ofa signed document, wherein the signed document comprises the electronicsignature of the signor.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein receivingthe first confirmation comprises: receiving a second code comprising thedocument identifier associated with the document and the signoridentifier associated with the signor.